S1 pupils Niamh Hurley and Megan Owens were awarded 3^rd prize in an All Ireland Crystal Growing Competition for 4^th and 5^th year students, organised by Royal Society of Chemistry (Ireland Region). Their beautiful diamond – like crystal of Alum was grown from a tiny ‘seed’ crystal.

 

The girls attended a prize giving event at DCU (School of Chemical Sciences) on Friday 20^th May to receive their certificate and a gift voucher. A molecular kit for use at AS & A level Chemistry was presented to the school. Afterwards the girls were given a tour of the universities facilities including the research laboratories where the researchers explained some of the current projects including those to monitor pollution and energy consumption and the development of health sensors which can be incorporated into clothing.